Multiple CACFP COVID Flexibilities are Ending Soon
March 31, 2023
Many of the waivers and flexibilities created during the pandemic for CACFP operators are expiring soon or have already expired. Four waivers are set to expire in the months of May - June 2023.Â
What’s Expiring?Â
May 11, 2023: Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks served in Emergency Shelters to Individuals Aged 19-24Â
During the pandemic, emergency shelters participating in the CACFP were temporarily allowed to claim reimbursement for meals and snacks served to all individuals under the age of 25. Starting May 11, emergency shelters must return to usual CACFP operations, meaning that all meals and snacks served to young people aged 19-24 will no longer be reimbursable through the CACFP. For further guidance read Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served at Child and Adult Care Food Program Emergency Shelters after the Public Health Emergency Ends.Â
June 10, 2023: Offsite MonitoringÂ
Nationwide waivers provided flexibilities for state agencies and sponsors to conduct monitoring virtually, rather than in-person, through the end of the pandemic. Beginning June 10, state agencies and sponsors will be required to return to onsite monitoring. However, some state agencies have a state-specific waiver with an expiration date of June 30, 2023, make sure to check with your state agency to verify the date that offsite monitoring expires in your state. For further guidance read Offsite Monitoring of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and School Meal Programs After the Public Health Emergency Ends.Â
June 30, 2023: Keep Kids Fed Act Additional 10 Cents for Meals and SnackÂ
The KKFA (S.2089) allowed for a temporary additional reimbursement for 2022-2023 school year in the amount of 10 cents for each meal and snack served under the CACFP. This additional reimbursement is set to expire on June 30, 2023. However, if passed, the Helping Schools Feed Kids Act of 2023 would extend this through school year 2023-24.Â
June 30, 2023: All Family Child Care Homes Reimbursed at the Tier I RateÂ
The Keep Kids Fed Act allowed all family day care homes to be reimbursed for all meals and snacks at the tier I rate through June 30, 2023. After June 30, the tiering system will be re-implemented and Tier II homes will return to a lower reimbursement rate. Â
Â
For more information, read the USDA’s CACFP SY 2022-23 Comparison Table.Â
Â